A policy change by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allowing passengers to carry a small pocket knife or multi-tool on commercial airliners beginning April 25 has been delayed, federal officials reported.

The TSA indicated the delay is so it can consider a report on the subject from an advisory committee comprised of aviation, consumer and law enforcement officials. The TSA gave no time frame for how long the delay will last.

The delay has no effect on the International Civil Aviation Organization’s policy, which already allows certain small pocket knives and multi-tools on flights in a number of other countries.

The new TSA policy has been attacked from many corners. Some family members of people killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks said they were outraged by it. At least one major airline official objected to the change, and the 90,000-member Flight Attendants Union Coalition has lambasted the policy.

Meanwhile, anti-knife politicians such as Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass) say all knives should be banned from flights.

The new policy would allow certain small pocket knives and multi-tools with blades 2.36 inches long or less and a half inch wide or less. No knives with locking blades or fixed blades would be allowed, among others.

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